Windows have gone from being a secondary thought to a major consideration for home construction and purchase. Not only are they important for keeping homes at a comfortable temperature, but they can also have a major impact on energy efficiency. Windows can take a lot of abuse and need to withstand the weather. Sometimes that means window replacement or window repair in Alaska is necessary. Whether you’re choosing new windows or looking to make a few repairs, here’s how to select the best windows for your home:

Window materials matter: If you’re buying a new window, you’ll want to decide on a material. New windows are usually available in wood, aluminum, vinyl and fiberglass. Wood frames are the common choice during a remodel. If you’re looking for window replacement in Alaska, wood may be the best choice, since it can be bought to match other windows easily. The newest options for window replacement in Alaska are aluminum, vinyl or fiberglass. Vinyl doesn’t need as much maintenance, and is less expensive, but vinyl windows may not be as nice as wood windows.

Glass selection: Next, you’ll need to pick out the glass you want to use for your windows. Single pane glass is outdated, so you’ll be choosing between double and triple pane windows. If you’re looking for window replacement in Alaska, you’ll probably want to choose triple pane windows. They can save you 2 to 3 percent on your heating bills, which in colder climates can be very helpful. The tradeoff is that they’re about 10 to 15 percent more expensive. Triple pane windows will also have better sound insulation and are less likely to develop condensation issues.

Energy efficiency: You’ll also want to consider energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking for window repair or window replacement in Alaska, look into the R-values of the windows. They will tell you how good the window is at insulation. A higher R-value means better insulation. There’s also the U-factor to look at. The U-factor is the rate at which the window conducts non-solar heat flow. The lower the U-factor, the more energy efficient it is. Finally, be on the lookout for Energy Star certified windows, which will likely make you eligible for tax credits.

Styling: Window style doesn’t have a big impact other than looks. However, you’ll still want to carefully consider what you want when looking into window replacement in Alaska. The different types of windows available means there’s a lot of choices, whether you’re looking to match your home’s design or try something new.

Whether you’re looking for window replacement or window repair in Alaska, Replacement Glass has you covered. We have more than 150 years of combined experience and offer a complete line of home and commercial glass for windows and doors, including specialty and custom-built applications. We’re the largest stocking distributor of window hardware in Alaska. Our friendly and helpful staff members are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Stop by Replacement Glass today. We look forward to assisting you!